The Cartographers’ Guild is a forum created by and for map makers and aficionados, a place where every aspect of cartography can be admired, examined, learned, and discussed. Our membership consists of professional designers and artists, hobbyists, and amateurs—all are welcome to join and participate in the quest for cartographic skill and knowledge.

Although we specialize in maps of fictional realms, as commonly used in both novels and games (both tabletop and role-playing), many Guild members are also proficient in historical and contemporary maps. Likewise, we specialize in computer-assisted cartography (such as with GIMP, Adobe apps, Campaign Cartographer, Dundjinni, etc.), although many members here also have interest in maps drafted by hand.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ. You will have to register before you can post or view full size images in the forums.

Happy to be here

Hi, everyone!

I want to say first and foremost that I am amazed at the collection of artists here. I thought I was one of few who enjoyed map making in itself. But, I am in awe of the talent and collection we have here!

I started making maps a long time ago, just pen and paper but I has only been within the last year (after picking up a Wacom Tablet) that I have been experimenting with Photoshop and other digital forms of art. And I must say it has taken my world building to a whole new level.

I look forward to feed back on my work and giving praise to the work of others!

Till then!

P.S. I tried uploading a finished map into the finished map thread as an attachment but I waited over an hour and it still did not load the map (it is rather large though, 3500 pixels square, in JPEG format). Is there something different I should be doing? Maybe I need 5 posts before I can upload? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome to the guild, jljansen! I'm looking forward to seeing your maps, I'm glad you found this community. I just got a tablet myself (like it's a few days old) and I'm just figuring out how I'll use it...

There are some limits to the size of files you can upload. I believe a jpg is 4.77MB maximum. When you click "Upload Photos" in your gallery section you'll see a little blue question mark icon in the upper right corner of the upload window. Click that and it will tell you the maximum sizes for various file types.